Religion: what is it good for? Absolutely nothing! Huah!

[Jammer]

GoodNess, you don't have to be a super-Christian to see miracles.

If seeing miracles requires you to be a super-Christian or something, then I'd say those miracles aren't real.

 

[GoodNess]

Ok, I love discussing this stuff, but I'll have to continue it later because I am a horrible student. Sorry if it looks like I'm abandoning this, but I'll try and come back later. Thanks for talking with me you guys.

 

[Eor]

You can say that all you want, the only thing I notice is that these miracles occur in only the parts of the world where they're easiest to fake.

 

[GoodNess]

GoodNess, you don't have to be a super-Christian to see miracles.

If seeing miracles requires you to be a super-Christian or something, then I'd say those miracles aren't real.

I never said that, at all. Go to China and check out the underground church. Just don't get shot.

 

[Pluvia's other account]

It's easy to things like that. I could say I saw a Unicorn bring someone back to life.

You can't disprove it, but it doesn't make it right.

 

[GoodNess]

It's easy to things like that. I could say I saw a Unicorn bring someone back to life.

You can't disprove it, but it doesn't make it right.

Last thing I'm going to comment on.

If you said that and fervently believed it, along with millions of others, and then claimed it happened repeatedly, and have millions of people to back it up, don't you think it's worth "checking out"? I'd try and track down that Unicorn.

Come on people, you obviously like fantasy and adventure. You play Smash Bros.! WHAT IF what I'm telling you is true!?

Start praying about something simple, like, "God, show me some of your power, like this GoodNess nutcase is talking about." You've really got nothing to lose.

Anyway, g'night everyone.

 

[PukeTShirt]

Just to get started, I disagree with the thread creator.

I view religion like Television. I personally only watch it for two shows, and a few news casts. I get most of my stories from books. So, if I was the topic creator, I could assume that TV is useless, and that those who watch it are weak minded who need information force fed to them.

But really, Millions of people watch television. Just because I personally don't enjoy it doesn't mean that TV is useless. People who love TV could say the same about books, since they get their entertainment from shows. Neither are right, since both are just being close minded. Same with religion. Just because I'm happy without it doesn't mean that Religion doesn't cause happiness. Being happy comes from thousands of things, not all of which are needed. If it causes people to feel like they have something to live for, then there is no reason to deny them that, even if it's not needed. Being agnostic/atheist, I don't think Religion is necessary, but I have no interest is trying to cut people off from it, or in thinking that Religion is a flawed design.

I will admit that the way I worded it is harsh. I didn't really want to make it too disrespectful or flame-baited, but I was looking to hear a good religious discussion. I guess I got what i wanted, although maybe a bit selfishly. I apologize.

Come on people, you obviously like fantasy and adventure. You play Smash Bros.! WHAT IF what I'm telling you is true!?

Start praying about something simple, like, "God, show me some of your power, like this GoodNess nutcase is talking about." You've really got nothing to lose.

See, the thing is, I HAVE tried this. I've prayed for simple things. I've prayed for things that I would be readily able to observe. I used to believe in god, and I started to realize the only reason I did is because I didn't like the idea of going to hell. I bought into Pascal's wager before I even knew what it was. But nothing ever happened when I prayed, nothing ever changed. I talked to other people about this, and all I ever heard were vague apologies and excuses. "god works in mysterious ways" ect. All i really heard was people trying to ignore the problems with their own beliefs, whether they were doing it on purpose or not.

I'm not trying to tell anyone not to believe, or that they should drop their beliefs for the things I'm saying. I really wanted honestly to see if anyone could give me a reason to re-think my lack of faith.

 

[Misto-Roboto]

I beleive in the bible. The bible says that being gay is wrong. Therefore we can conclude that I believe being gay is wrong. Simple enough. Why though? Why is being gay wrong? For that I have no answer besides God said so and, also the majority of society says so. Much like the reason many people think swearing is bad. It's popular opinion.

Actually the passage is pretty clear, it just mentions gay men... so does that mean lesbians are off the hook?! QFT?!

 

[cultofrubik]

I'll answer the question. Religion is why we're where we are today. Whether [lets take stereotypical Catholicism] it's correct or not, it has had its impact on the world and effected it both positively and negatively. Where our opinions may differ on the + or the -, it's undeniable that the United States [specifically, our particular country] would not have formed. That's what its good for. It's our past, present, and our future, whether you want it to be or not.

We're all entitled to our opinions. Boom. The mindset of a true Christian. While I personally think the majority of Atheists are irrational, I'm not going to try to point out why I'm not. [Hey look, I capitalized Atheists! Do I get brownie points?]

I don't see the purpose of debates on this subject anymore. They're pointless and they lead nowhere. What really matters is what YOUR life boils down to. Whether it's a new beginning or the end. If you don't have a purpose in life, then [johns-->] God help you. Unless you're willing to do something with your life for the good of humanity, even if it's not entirely self-less, you're as valuable as a Third-party Gamecube Controller. Sure you exist and have a few buttons, but S**T, you're worthless.

Actually the passage is pretty clear, it just mentions gay men... so does that mean lesbians are off the hook?! QFT?!

Whether you're a reverend or not:

AMEN ;D

 

[Homelessvagrant]

Then why aren't people rising from the grave, why is there still cancer? You say all of that is possible, but none of it is happening. If God doesn't want it to happen, then it wouldn't be possible. You can say it's possible hypothetically, but not in reality.

African doctors are not as well qualified as Western ones, due to economic and educational levels. If this happened in New York City, and only happened to people that where prayed over, then you'd have a point. Even if it happened in Africa and was scientifically studied, and proven to only occur in people that where prayed over, then you'd have a point.

Miracles? Christ said that it is a perverse generations that looks for miracles. Generations only happen after a high degree of faith. Christ said that is the poor and weak that are usually the most gratiful when they get saved and thus have more faith. So it would make sense that in poorer countries these miracles are happening unlike in wealthy countries like America.

A test might work but wait surveys have already been made and they are conclusive. The problem is that the hethenistic world can't stand anything that would prove this so they push it away disclaiming any science in the matter. The same thing happens in Evolution/ Christianity debates. The fact that evolutionist use fossils (and earth layers) to prove age of the earth and the age of the earth to prove the age of fossils is based on illogic that is preformed by ninnys, but they ignore this like everything else because "Religion can't be Science" is BS because Evolution is a religion that worships self. Oops got off on a tangent.

 

[Eor]

Last thing I'm going to comment on.

If you said that and fervently believed it, along with millions of others, and then claimed it happened repeatedly, and have millions of people to back it up, don't you think it's worth "checking out"? I'd try and track down that Unicorn.

Are you talking about your miracles? Give a link to this phenomenon, please.

Start praying about something simple, like, "God, show me some of your power, like this GoodNess nutcase is talking about." You've really got nothing to lose.

I've done this before, but I'll go ahead and do it now. I'll pray and then write out what I said.

Well, I'm not typing out every word, but I basically said "Please show me that you exist, if you can you'll gain a convert, I want to believe in you, please show me some of your power to gain a convert. Who knows, if this happens it'll probably strengthen the faith of everyone I debated with in the thread. Please, show me you exist."

A test might work but wait surveys have already been made and they are conclusive. The problem is that the hethenistic world can't stand anything that would prove this so they push it away disclaiming any science in the matter.

Every scientific research into prayer that has been published has found it be have no effect, and for most not even a placebo. Link me to your scientific reasearch that shows otherwise.

The same thing happens in Evolution/ Christianity debates. The fact that evolutionist use fossils (and earth layers) to prove age of the earth and the age of the earth to prove the age of fossils is based on illogic that is preformed by ninnys,

Please, illogic? It's a scientific fast, you have no idea what you're talking about when you mention Evolution. And yes, I am generalizing, but go ahead and prove me wrong. Tell me what's illogical about it.

but they ignore this like everything else because "Religion can't be Science" is BS because Evolution is a religion that worships self. Oops got off on a tangent.

Evolution has nothing to do with religion, any claim that it is is propaganda spread by the Religious Right.

 

[SirroMinus1]

Tobi- your sig kicks ***!

idk were religion comes in. its hard to think someone made an endless relm like space. if im off topic sorry i just wanted to get that out.

 

[AltF4]

*not me*

That's good. Honestly, I respect people's beliefs far more when I find they aren't the same as their parents'.

That fact that so many children believe in Santa and the Easter bunny is proof that children are easily persuadable. We know this. We also know that YOU were once a child. It then follows that what you were taught as a child may very well not be true, but only ingrained in you when you were little.

 

[GoodNess]

Are you talking about your miracles? Give a link to this phenomenon, please.

http://www.cbn.com/700club/Guests/Bios/Jim_Rutz042805.aspx

That's all that got me going on this. I personally am skeptical (and I'm a Christian), so I'll really believe such things when I see it. Jesus calls to a faith that doesn't need miracles. The idea that there ARE miracles going on out there is just exciting. That's all.

I've done this before, but I'll go ahead and do it now. I'll pray and then write out what I said.

Well, I'm not typing out every word, but I basically said "Please show me that you exist, if you can you'll gain a convert, I want to believe in you, please show me some of your power to gain a convert. Who knows, if this happens it'll probably strengthen the faith of everyone I debated with in the thread. Please, show me you exist."

I've already prayed that you begin to have a discerning eye and that you'll feel peace and just generally be blessed in your life.

 

[Lesheik]

Before belief comes interest and before interest comes curiosity. People that aren't interested or curious into religion are ignorant, because again belief is followed by interest then curiosity. If someone isn't curious enough to at least read about religion, that makes them uneducated, ignorant.

Educated Atheists were actually interested in religion before they became Atheist so they'd have a reason to become Atheist; because they don't believe in it.

For example: If you're an Atheist that's never read a religious book, you're ignorant because you have nothing to support your belief that God doesn't exist.

Same thing goes for religious people. Religious people that don't question anything in his or her religion are also ignorant. They'd just be believing for no reason at all. In a nutshell, there needs to be a reason for belief. If there's no reason there's no belief.

Religion is good for you. It keeps you interested in something before you die.

 

[Keku]

Heh, the miracle thing pretty much doesn't apply to us now. The "miracles" that Jesus talked about were spiritual, not physical ones. Or figurative miracles. Or something.

I had a whole big lesson on this. It explained why no real miracles actually happen anymore, and that we shouldn't expect them to, because no human has the power to perform miracles. I'm sorry that I forgot pretty much every detail.

If you seriously believe that people have been raised from the dead by prayer, you should know that giving premature death certificates actually isn't unheard of, especially in Africa and China, where you say these "miracles" happened.

If you want to see how gullible some people can be, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW2yKlNFFuU
The woman in this video believes in crystal healing because she's seen it work with her own eyes. She has the "facts". She's a gullible idiot. [anti-religion people may wish to point out that religious people do the same thing]

It annoys me when people say that something good happening in their lives is proof that God exists.

I have to disagree with you on this one, Jammie. You're absolutely right that no human is able to do miracles. That hasn't changed, it's God doing the work using people with faith as channels. A close friend of mine had a problem with his little fingers, the other one was abnormally small and the other one was quite big/ normal, can't remember. Guess what, she's living out there today with two healthy and normal-sized little fingers. Not through surgery, simply through one prayer.

I know that's not like raising anyone from the dead or anything, but you said yourselv that nothing is impossible for God. I've heard countless stories, that little finger-one being the closest to me, of such miracles, and I just can't believe they're all simply made up by evil Christian people who just want to spread propaganda. Of course, I'm not deranged or anything and saying that there isn't any hoaxes. I've heard that out there in the US there are some commercial "fake" preachers whose only intent is to make money, and that sort of freaks me out.

That's my two cents for great justice.

 

[Fox_Rocks]

I have to disagree with you on this one, Jammie. You're absolutely right that no human is able to do miracles. That hasn't changed, it's God doing the work using people with faith as channels. A close friend of mine had a problem with his little fingers, the other one was abnormally small and the other one was quite big/ normal, can't remember. Guess what, she's living out there today with two healthy and normal-sized little fingers. Not through surgery, simply through one prayer.

Just a few questions. What age did this happen around? Would it have been after this person should have been done normally growing? Did it become "fixed" days, weeks, months after the prayer? Is it possible that one hand/finger just grew faster than the other? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but this seems like a bad example of a "miracle."

 

[Keku]

Just a few questions. What age did this happen around? Would it have been after this person should have been done normally growing? Did it become "fixed" days, weeks, months after the prayer? Is it possible that one hand/finger just grew faster than the other? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but this seems like a bad example of a "miracle."

I think she was a bit over 20 when it happened. And no, it wasn't days or months as far as I know. After the man had stopped praying his fingers were normal and healthy. And yeah, I know it's not the most "miraculous" thing one can come up with, but it's the closest thing to me.

 

[Relean]

See, the thing is, I HAVE tried this. I've prayed for simple things. I've prayed for things that I would be readily able to observe. I used to believe in god, and I started to realize the only reason I did is because I didn't like the idea of going to hell. I bought into Pascal's wager before I even knew what it was. But nothing ever happened when I prayed, nothing ever changed. I talked to other people about this, and all I ever heard were vague apologies and excuses. "god works in mysterious ways" ect. All i really heard was people trying to ignore the problems with their own beliefs, whether they were doing it on purpose or not.

I'm not trying to tell anyone not to believe, or that they should drop their beliefs for the things I'm saying. I really wanted honestly to see if anyone could give me a reason to re-think my lack of faith.

I totally agree with you.

Praying for simple things, selfless things so I can feel God near me. But nothing happened. I lived in dissapointment when I was little. God didn't bring peace to me, he brought dissapointment.

Now that I chose what to believe in, I'm much happier. Or to refrase that, I didn't choose what to believe in, but I realized what's real an what's not. Instead of believing in an omnipotent being that's the source of everything, I believe in me, and you, and the world we live in.

 

[~Tac~]

I'm gonna keep this simple. I'm an Atheist myself, so religion is pointless to me. I see the world in a different way than most. I respect other's religion and their beliefs but I simply don't believe it or feel a need to.

As for what religion is good for, IMO I see religion as a foundation that keeps the world in order. Those who are followers that need someone telling them what to do, they follow a God/Higher being. Without proper order in certain parts of the world, chaos will be sought out and end the world early.

Nuff said on my part. Also, notice the "IMO" part. No flame pl0x n thx.

 

[commonyoshi]

Wait wait wait. Some Christians are saying that religion is bad, but Christianity is good or something like that. Could anyone explain to me how they differ?

And no, I dont think religion is bad. There are hundreds of relgious organizations reaching out to people all ove the world and providing them for their physical and spiritual needs. Sure, it can be bad in cases like the Protestant/Catholic war, but that doesn't make it evil.

Edit: Oh, and I'm dropping all the Bible stuff. There's more I could say, but in general I'm outclassed on it. I don't have enough understand of the Bible to sway anyone in a debate, or even hold up my own side without looking dumb. I still think it has contradictions, and have seen my side debated much more skilfully then I have done (check out some old religious thread in the debate hall), but I'm not good enough to do the same.

I cant pretend I'm not dissapointed, but I hope you can now see why we dont follow Leviticus as a legal law any longer.

Miracles? Christ said that it is a perverse generations that looks for miracles.

I'm a Christian, and I agree that anyone who does something like ask God to teleport him to China as confirmation of His existence shouldn't hve his challenge fulfilled. However, I cant help but wish God would throw us a bone every now and then. It doesn't have to be giagantic like if not a single Christian had cancer, but what if the numbers were significantly less? It wouldn't be proof of God, but it'd raise a few eyebrows among the unbelievers.

But this topic has already been brought up by Paul himself. He had a "thorn in his flesh" of which we know nothing about. It could have been literal (as in bodily pain) or a metaphor for something. But when it came down to it, God responded with "My grace is sufficient for you". This was a time when miracles were happening like crazy, Paul was one of the most important sharers of the Gospel, and yet his prayer request was denied. God never gives us anything we cant handle, and can always turn bad situations for the benefit of those who love Him. "My grace is sufficient for you". I think it's important for Christians to remember this.

And I dont really have an opinion on miracles yet.

 

[GoodNess]

Wait wait wait. Some Christians are saying that religion is bad, but Christianity is good or something like that. Could anyone explain to me how they differ?

I'm going to have to rephrase. "Religion" in and of itself isn't bad. The focus on religion is where the problems begin.

A definition for religion from dictionary.com:

1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

As a Christian, and believe me this is a hard thing to put across, the term religion/religious is a tired one. It is loaded with misinterpretation and misuse that it has gathered over the centuries. It's also got nothing to do with my relationship with God.

I dunno, I'll explain another way. When you are describing how you love someone, like a husband/wife, you don't talk about the belief system you have in place for that love to work. It's not that distant. It's an emotional attachment. It's an actual relationship. When you talk about God, Christians shouldn't even be thinking about the word "religion" because it causes nothing but problems while also not sufficiently explaining what it means to be a follower of Christ.

That's a bit of the idea. I could write papers on that topic.

P.S. I'm not going to advocate the destruction of religion, because of course it has its uses, but in understanding the gospel, religion has no place.

 

[PukeTShirt]

I'm going to have to rephrase. "Religion" in and of itself isn't bad. The focus on religion is where the problems begin.

I agree completely as I've had this happen to me personally. My grandparents will not talk to me, or the rest of my family anymore because we are not of their religion. They are Jehovah's Witnesses and follow the religion very very intensely. The belief isn't the problem, the blind following of the religion's rules is. I mean I can't talk to my grandparents anymore! I don't even know if my great grandma (who lives with them) is even still alive!! THEY WOULDN'T TELL US IF SHE DIED!! There is something very very wrong with that idea.

 

[Jammer]

Well, PukeTShirt, I really don't think you can compare Jehovah's Witnesses with most other religions. I mean, the whole point of that religion is that only 144,000 people are getting into Heaven, and whoever converts the most people into Jehovah's Witnessism gets into Heaven.

It's one of the most hypocritical religions out there. You try to convert as many people as possible so that you go to Heaven, but you hope that the people you convert don't do better than you and push you out of one of the 144,000 spots in Heaven.

My immediate family are members of the Church of Christ. My extended family is mostly Catholic. There isn't really any contention between us, except for my Grandmother, who loves bringing the fact that she went to Mass or that we should be celebrating Christmas as Jesus' birthday (that isn't in the Bible, so we treat Christmas as just another holiday). But we just nod and smile.

 

[Eor]

Well, if you're going to rat on Jevova's Witness you should know that they only believe that 144,000 will be resurrected to heaven, but that all the rest that are good will live in heaven on earth after Judgment day. There is also nothing in their religion which teaches that you have to convert the most people to Jevohva's witness in order to become one of the 144,000. In fact, I'm pretty sure they believe the 144,000 was already fulfilled.

 

[commonyoshi]

PukeTshirt, shouldn't they be trying to convince you back instead of excluding you? I cant see what their reasoning behind this is.

And wow. I had never really looked into the Jehovah's Witnesses before. You're right, Jammer. I should probably research more, though. Wikipedia wasn't exactly too great.
Edit: Ok, so they believe that 144,00 will go to heaven, and the rest of human kind will live forever on a new, perfect-again earth.

I dont know what I am exactly, though I probably must be some congregation out there. I know for sure that I'm not Catholic. I've never, ever been to a church service so it's hard for me to tell. Part of me wants to stay seperate so no one can teach or influence me in any way, but another part of me does want to go to church and be among believers. Meh, I'll decide upon what action to take when I get older. Right now, sleeping in on Sundays is great.

 

[Eor]

Common, from what I've seen from you I'd suggest Methodism. Not that you have to uphold all their views, but I think it's closest to what you think. I wouldn't want someone to morph their views to something else. I actually think you should just continue believing what you believe, and not worry about fitting in to a denomination, but if you want to, Methodism is probably what you should look for.

 

[PukeTShirt]

The point isn't that they are Jehovah's witnesses, but rather that they focus so hard on their religion that they let it blind them to what else should be important to them. Oh well, their loss i guess.

EDIT: woah, no posts in an hour? seems like the thread has just about run it's course.

 

[RDK]

What is religion good for? Well, TBH, I think religion was a way for humans to organize themselves--to bring order to something so chaotic. Religion can be a way to make the world into something we want it to be; something deep inside us that wants a world full of mystery.

But as we have developed as a human race, I think religion could be done away with. Blindly following something for the sake of following something isn't really healthy, and it's just downright unintelligent.

Also, it's kind of hard to define religion nowadays. Basically anything you consistently believe in that doesn't have direct proof or evidence can be described as religion.

 

[commonyoshi]

I'll keep that in mind, Eor. Thanks.
Just because I join their congregation doesn't mean I'm about to conform to any of my views to fit in. I'll continue reading the Bible for myself. It'd just be nice to be among believers.

PukeTShirt, someone's God should always, always, be most important. However, I dont see how that and you not sharing your family's belief is a contradiction. Instead of trying to show you what they believe, they've isolated you, giving you an even worse opinion of the religion. That's definitely not the wisest or Godliest course of action they could have taken. Is it some Jehova's Witness thing or do most do that?

And Red Darkstar Kirby, I definitely dont follow Christianity for the sake of doing so. I doubt anyone I know does either. >_>

 

[RDK]

I wasn't doubting your reasons, or trying to undermine your character, or anything like that. I was just stating that it's reality--some people are like mindless sheep; they'll follow anything for the sake of following.

 

[Zink]

this thread moves TOO FAST for me, and I used to be so good at this too *sad*
anyway, I saw a bit back people were posting saying they prayed for simple things, as a test... well, actually, that's a pretty big no-no. there's a specific word for I which I cannot for the life of me remember, but it's there. the idea of testing God has a few problems with it which I will go into if you still care.
also, sup common, looking for a denomination, or something? regardless of personal beliefs, I recommend a faith with an emphasis of community and service... because, really, having faith without going out and DOING anything is selfish, and also kinda pointless... you need to find a balance between works and faith. that's actually one of the reasons Martin Luther broke from the Catholic Church. with the idea of predestination, there was no room in a philosophy including that idea for works to be useful to your faith.

 

[GoodNess]

Yea it's true. We aren't supposed to test God.. He tests us. On the other hand, it's better to have people praying rather than not praying at all.

 

[digitalmaster287]

htlaeh retteb sesuac yllarneg hcihw tceffe obecalap a si sedivorp noigileR taht gniht elbarusaem yllacifitneics ylno eht taht esoppus I

 

[cultofrubik]

^^Digital, You spelled this wrong:

"I suppose that the only scientifically measurable thing that Religion provides is a palacebo effect which generally causes better health"



I'm guessing you meant placebo, but I don't understand why you would contradict yourself. Placebos don't do anything for the body, so what do you mean here? That it's effect or meaning is fake? But despite "it's fakeness," it still helps the world?

Just curious,

~cult

OH shiz! Post 100! I completely rock! A whopping three-digits! (One and a half years later...)

 

[Zink]

Never heard of Copernicus? The first proposer of the heliocentric universe? The one who laid all the groundwork for Galileo? Roman Catholic?

 

[Red Exodus]

Religion, as a whole, is a mess. Lots of trouble is coming about from religion, more specifically when people try to force their religion or religious rules and views on you.

While some like Christianity might not be bad, others can be a bit shady.

 

[commonyoshi]

To be fair, most religions believe they're saving souls. What's a little bit of inconvienece on both sides?

The whole bit about not testing God can be traced all the way back to Exodus 17:7 when they commanded Moses (and invertly God) to give them water. I'm not really sure if it means to test as in to make God do something, or wether they mean to test as in to piss Him off.

And asking for signs of miracles isn't completely foreign in the Old Testament. I believe Gideon asked God to make the ground wet and leave some fleece dry as a sign of wether it was good to attack, or something like that. God offered to show Hezzikiah (I know I mispelled this) a miracle to confirm long life. Elijah asked God to send fire from heaven. God only did works for people who already had faith as a sign that He was with them.

Edit: I could be wrong with the Gideon thing. Maybe God told him to put the fleece down?

And Zink, I'll be sure to keep that in mind if I ever do decide it's time for me to go to church.

 

[A2ZOMG]

Religion eh? I learned this from a video in my Comparative Religion class:

Here's where it comes from. Humans are the number one species on Earth at anticipating. This is why we are the dominant species on Earth. The HUGE drawback of being the number one species at anticipation is fear of death. Human however developed a special creativity section in the brain that allows them to fantasize beyond what can be anticipated. Thus, religion was invented, as a means for humans to be able to say that there is something, like life for example, after death.

I might emphasize that it is very possible to hypnotize people into feeling supernatural presence, which in case of people worshiping monotheistic religions would be God persay. And by hypnotize, I mean by using special magnetic equipment to make pulses that alter your brainwaves in specific areas. Just making a point that we do actually have scientific basis on the subject.

All in all, religion is a big mindgame to me. This is why I'm atheist. Religion at its worst has been a huge detriment to progress and relationships with those of other religious belief (Who can forget Galileo, the Holy Crusades, etc?). At its best though, it's kinda a means of encouraging communities of sorts.

In today's day and age, religion has prevented many of my moral beliefs from becoming reality. Just to name a few, the constant efforts of bringing negative connotation to homosexuality and abortion, and the Iraq war. More reasons I'm atheist.

I have friends though who are religious, and I'm fine with that. Religion isn't necessarily bad, but the ones that are affecting the world the most today are not doing so in a good way as of now.

 

[cultofrubik]

Religion isn't necessarily bad, but the ones that are affecting the world the most today are not doing so in a good way as of now.

I find that a very decent trait in a person to be accepting of others. But I completely disagree with you in that particular comment. Religion's worst actions are what? Saying that homosexuality and abortion and war aren't the best things in the world? So what? What about all of the good or the positive actions? The charities, the moral centers, and the gathering together of families isn't good enough for you? I understand why you're Atheist sure, but take a look at the world right now. And take a look at our country's position in it. We're diminishing and declining because of the Iraq war, so is it a bad thing? Personally I believe violence at it's core is never necessary, and yes, including the crusades.

Though, I may also be focusing too much on Christianity. And I think I see your point now. The differences [?] in religion are definitely a truly negative impact on the world, because the moral centers are neglected and violence ensues. When you have so many religions thinking they're the way, you can find trouble: such as Israel/Middle East conflicts, followed by our [strange, in my opinion] approval of Israel, and then the negativity that the Middle East looks at us?

And there's globalization, which screws with cultures: which for some, is a real annoyance. Parent's children left and right turning to "Western Civilization" instead of following traditional parents must also anger those parents, many of who are poor, thus turning to "terrorism?" Maybe Religion is losing its positive touch?

I'll continue this a bit later, I have a tournament to go to. Hooray Smash! ;D

~cult